Bible study 159 – Deuteronomy 7

Moses emphasizes that the Canaanites aren’t just to be driven away. They are to be destroyed, and no one should intermarry with them. The rest is about how great God is, how much the Israelites should love him, and what happens if they don’t (they die).

Chapter 6 was the first time in the Bible (apart from the ten commandments) that describes love towards God; until now, it was all about fearing and obeying God. Although the tone doesn’t really change (“fear God, or you will die” just turned into “love God, or you will die”), I don’t think it’s a coincidence that Moses now suddenly mentions loving God in pretty much every chapter. Probably a Deuteronomy thing.

Deuteronomy 7:3Do not intermarry with them, giving your daughters to their sons or taking their daughters for your sons, (…).